Once Aquaman hits theaters on Dec, 21, DC fans will have to wait four months for the next movie in the DC Extended Universe.
2019 will be a very interesting year for movies in the DC Extended Universe. Aquaman’s success at the box office will no doubt lead to planning for future sequels and other possible characters to be featured, and there’s hope that the movie’s success will rub off on the next DC movie to come out: Shazam.
Shazam comes out on April 5, 2019. Like Aquaman, Shazam is a much beloved but rather obscure character compared to the DC Comics holy trinity of Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman. (At least Aquaman is a member of the Justice League) The story follows teenager Billy Batson as he figures out life as a teen in the foster system. When he discovers a mysterious relic, he becomes a superhero whenever he says the magic word: Shazam.
Zachary Levi stars as Shazam while Asher Anger portrays Billy Batson. Mark Strong stars as the villainous Dr. Thaddeus Sivana.
Ironically, Shazam was originally known as Captain Marvel, though there is no relation to Marvel Comics’ Captain Marvel. (Confusing, isn’t it?) Shazam first appeared (as Captain Marvel) back in 1940 in Whiz Comics #2.
Shazam will be sandwiched between Marvel juggernauts Captain Marvel (March 8) and Avengers: Endgame (April 26), making for an interesting box office. If Captain Marvel follows in Wonder Woman’s footsteps, dominating the box office for several weeks at a time, it could be problematic for Shazam. Of course, once Avengers: Endgame arrives in theaters, only three weeks after Shazam, it will claim the top spot at the box office for weeks to come.
The only other DC film in 2019 is Joker, which arrives on Oct. 4 and features Joaquin Phoenix as an early version of the infamous villain.
Shazam arrives in theaters on April 5, 2019.